Why are younger people on Gransnet now?

Does it matter?

Some threads are about being a gran; but others are pretty much universal. I would rather learn from perspectives of people of all ages and backgrounds than stay in a bubble of 'people like me'.

When I was a child there were a lot of younger grandparents. That started to change with reliable contraception. I know mums who didn't start having kids until they were in their thirties and forties.

...but Mumsnet is less welcoming (possibly because of the vast quantities of alcohol they seem to consume, or say they do) than here on GN apart from when the B word is mentioned!

I expect there are many grans on Mumsnet too.

Some grans are young!

I hadn't really noticed Peonyrose but no harm in getting a younger person's perspective on a problem.

I hadn't noticed and why is this under 'Estrangement'?

I had noticed and in the main it seems to be young mums seeking advice from those who have been through it all before; or who are struggling with difficult relationships with parents or in-laws, especially in relation to upbringing of children.

I think it is a very positive thing - and it is nice to know that there are young people who feel we might have some collective wisdom to pass on.

I hadn’t noticed and think it’s not a problem we live in a multi aged society unprocessed you’re in a care home or a old folks housing project neither of which would suit me I like mixing with all sorts My best friend for years. well still is, but I don’t see her much as she moved abroad was younger than my own kids

Estranged children aren't wanted on the estrangement threads.

starblaze that seems to be very true.

Seems very spiteful and cutting ones nose off to spite their face to me

Seems to be younger Mums asking for advice regarding relationships with a (slightly) older generation. Occasionally one seems to stick around for a bit but that’s fine.

Summerlove I read through most of the threads because I wanted to make sure this was a good idea and I have seen several people driven out. It starts out nice and supportive and then they are turned on for no reason I can see. I've continued to follow but I haven't dared comment till now.

My best friend when I was a young mum, was my elderly neighbour. We had coffee together most mornings - she was a widow. I confided in her. She accompanied me to GP/hospital appointments, for myself and when I had to take the children. Sadly, she is no more.

It's a smaller pond.

Gransnet is advertised on mumsnet.

There's a lot of bitchiness on here unfortunately, also too many 'know it alls' who think that the only right way is their way. Still, it's very easy to ignore any troublesome posters. You soon get to recognise their names so can just skip their contributions. Nobody should allow themselves to be 'driven out' or Gransnet will die of boredom!

To be fair, I lurked on MN for a bit (before Brexit though when I still had an AC at home) and thought it was very judgemental towards some posters so I came here. The massive difference here is that there seemed to be a big boozing culture on MN and I can't recall seeing any mention of alcohol on here. Not that I've been here long.

Estranged children aren't wanted on the estrangement threads.

Eh? In my own personal experience, that's not the case; in fact, quite the reverse.

I thought the only requirement on Gransnet was to be a granny.

I have to admit, it isn't what I thought it would be. I thought we'd all be overjoyed to be grannies, but it seems to be more of a bitchfest at times.

starblaze, I just don’t get it.

Starblaze Me either. Such a shame. So many times I have wanted to say something and stopped myself.

Chewbacca Yes I have noticed you show up and say so any time an estranged child says they feel unwelcome. I will keep reading and see how it goes. Not sure I feel comfy sharing my story here though x

I can understand that you might not feel ready to share your story yet Starblaze; it took me a long, long time before I felt ready to. Like you, I also felt that, as most of the other contributors to the estrangement threads were the parents of estranged adult children, that I would receive a somewhat frosty reception. In fact I was welcomed immediately and I became more comfortable in explaining estrangement "from the other perspective". I've never given the actual reasons as to why I walked away from my birth family, but I've been quite open that it's been a decision that I had to take for my own sanity and wellbeing and is something that I've never regretted.
We all have our own journey to make, whichever side of estrangement we're coming from. I do hope you keep posting. Best wishes.

I’m on Mumsnet and here, I’m not yet a grandma but I’m aware I’m much closer in age to most grandmas than I am to most new mums. I have adult children and a very frail, elderly mum. A situation shared by many late 40s and older and others on this site.